<pre dir="ltr"><img src="https://lh7-eu.googleusercontent.com/1ljhEz4XLQ7AeLghVgD1UpJCV1-9Q731wDEJAAfRVMpkZFIQ4zLzl2PcMrvAKol0U5_70S50x7ZstHe7UZZxHdyaO4AthBdgjpGXUeSlA9e4CFl_KodDYmpnNI-zQGdmU1u_S9mbdC1mC47XaCCsg1Q" width="100%" height=""><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;">&copy; Bildbyr&aring;n</span></pre>
<h2 dir="ltr">Sid vs Ovi: Introduction</h2>
<p dir="ltr">With only just 240 miles separating the two cities the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals have been team rivals for decades, but that team rivalry quickly became a player rivalry back&nbsp; in 2005-2006 when <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/6146/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a> and <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/4230/alexander-ovechkin">Alexander Ovechkin</a> debuted as young talents. Crosby and Ovechkin were considered to be the greatest prospects the sport of hockey had ever seen. Not only did the two young men meet the lofty expectations that were set before them, but they exceeded them, immediately taking the NHL by storm. Within their rookie season, each player accumulated over 100 total points, in just 81 games played.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ever since then, the Canadian and Russian born forwards have been compared closely by hockey fans worldwide. This debate is particularly interesting because they both entered the league simultaneously. They have had almost identical playing time for evaluation. It is safe to say that both of these players will be considered legends. With the end of their careers closely approaching, the question still remains, &ldquo;Who is better?&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Scoring Prowess comparison</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Alexander Ovechkin is a monster when it comes to scoring goals. With a total of 845 career goals recorded <span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>(March 2024)</em></span>, it is no longer a question of whether or not he will pass hockey's &ldquo;greatest&rdquo;<a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9678/wayne-gretzky"> Wayne Gretzky</a>, but more of a countdown. Ovechkin is just 54 goals away from breaking the record that was once deemed impossible! Hockey fans everywhere are watching closely as he gets closer and closer to this pivotal moment. Aside from goals, he has also led the NHL in shots on goal, eleven separate times. Showing his strong presence, and eagerness on the ice.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Crosby on the other hand, may be a couple of hundred goals behind his rival, but he has the clear advantage in assists as well as total points. What&rsquo;s even more impressive is he was able to do so having played 154 fewer games than Ovechkin due to injuries in the prime of his career.&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Crosby vs Ovechkin stats</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Using Elite Prospects&rsquo; <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/compare-players">compare player</a> feature allows you to view stats from childhood to present. For instance, at just 14 years old Crosby recorded 193 total points in just 74 games played with the <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/6167/dartmouth-subways/2001-2002">Dartmouth Subways</a> of the<a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/nsu15mhl"> Nova Scotia Major Hockey League</a>. He even holds the record for franchise all time points and goals. Crosby has played 19 seasons in the NHL. Every season, his total points exceeded games played.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ovechkin's output is slightly behind. He has four seasons with fewer points than games played. However, he still averages 1.0 points per game, just 0.2 points away from Crosby's average. This showcases the success of both players. Ovechkin has got the goals, Crosby has got the points. Which do you think makes for a better hockey player?</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Source: <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/compare-players/6146-4230/sidney-crosby-vs-alexander-ovechkin">Crosby vs Ovechkin</a>&nbsp;</em></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Championship Success</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Crosby has won a total of three Stanley Cups. Two of which were won in consecutive years and one he had the glory of lifting at just 21 years old. He holds the record of being the youngest captain in <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/nhl">NHL</a> history to lead a team to victory. Giving a young player the responsibility and privilege of being team captain comes with a great risk. But he proved his place on that team and since then has been a large reason for the team's success. It is clear that the Penguins have a better franchise record, but we are looking at the individual's roles.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ovechkin may only have one championship win in the NHL under his belt, but along with that Cup win in 2018 he also received the Conn Smythe Trophy as Stanley cup MVP. He led the whole league in playoff goals that year. The number of awards and achievements this man has had is nothing short of incredible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Who is better?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">What exactly qualifies as a legacy? Both Ovechkin and Crosby heavily contributed to the popularity of hockey. They were both known as the ones &ldquo;who saved the league&rdquo;. These two players have already left a legacy, even though their careers are not over.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once Alex Ovechkin passes THE legend himself, Wayne Gretzky, he will hold the record for most accumulated goals the league has ever seen. He will forever be remembered for that one monumental moment, and that is the legacy he will leave.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Aside from his three Stanley Cup wins and 1571 total career points, Crosby gave much more than just his skills to the league. He gave inspiration to thousands of people involved in the sport. His legacy holds more than just numbers, it displays passion which is a legacy in its own right.&nbsp;</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Instead of fighting to come up with an answer for &ldquo;who is better&rdquo;, let us recognize the greatness and individuality in both Alexander Ovechkin, and Sidney Crosby. Both came into the league young, hungry, and very impressionable. When attempting to compare these two, it only brings up even more points showing why there will never be a &ldquo;better&rdquo; player. It will forever be a matter of opinion. From goals, to points, to awards, to Cups these guys have it all. Who do you want to see next in the Hockey Hall of Fame?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Author</strong>:<br>Nadine Rattner&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">21 March 2024&nbsp;</p>

Explore the epic showdown between Crosby and Ovechkin. Analyze their stats, early careers, and awards to see who comes out on top!

Crosby vs Ovechkin: Stats and head-to-head insights

Sidney Crosby vs Alexander Ovechkin

<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://cdn.eprinkside.com/fm/eprinkside/files/2/images/2024-03/Trade%20Deadline%20Rumors%20(1).png" alt="" width="100%&lt;/p"></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is quickly approaching which means that the NHL trade rumours are flowing like molten lava out of an active volcano. With all of those trade rumours, it&rsquo;s difficult to ascertain which players are truly on the trade block, and which are being tossed around to improve TV ratings for the 12-hour TV studio marathon on March 8th, 2024.<br><br>To help you filter out the noise and focus in on the cream, we&rsquo;ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Trade Deadline Targets ahead of the big day.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Trade Deadline Board</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. Jake Guentzel, LW&nbsp; Pittsburgh Penguins</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/71/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins&rsquo;</a> star winger is the type of asset that is rarely moved at the deadline. <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/199870/jake-guentzel">Jake Guentzel </a>is a multiple 40-goal scorer and is currently playing above a point-per-game. The 29-year-old is a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent and will be looking for a hefty payday. With Pittsburgh on the wrong side of the playoff bar, and having little cap space available to extend him, trading the left-winger could aid greatly in a retool on the fly.<br><br><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Edmonton, Vancouver, Detroit</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Noah Hanifin, LD - Calgary Flames</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The top remaining defender on the board is <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/54/calgary-flames">Calgary</a>&rsquo;s, <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/177710/noah-hanifin">Noah Hanifin</a>. The 27-year-old is an impending UFA that seems destined to be moved ahead of the deadline. Hanifin can provide stability in the defensive end, and chip in a good amount of points. He won&rsquo;t come cheaply.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> New Jersey, Florida, Tampa Bay</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Pavel Buchnevich, LW -&nbsp; St. Louis Blues</h2>
<p dir="ltr">One of the few players on this list with term remaining on his deal, <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/158906/pavel-buchnevich">Pavel Buchnevich</a> could still move &ndash; assuming a team pays the exorbitant asking price. He&rsquo;s a big-bodied, offensive winger who could greatly improve a contender&rsquo;s top-six forward corps.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Edmonton, Detroit, Vancouver</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">4. Frank Vatrano, LW - Anaheim Ducks</h2>
<p dir="ltr">With another year left on his deal, the <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/1580/anaheim-ducks">Ducks</a> don&rsquo;t need to move <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/59733/frank-vatrano">Frank Vatrano</a>. However, with where they sit in the standings, and the way Vatrano has increased his value through a career-season, it makes sense to explore it. He&rsquo;s a shooter first and foremost, but can help out in other situations as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Edmonton, Detroit, Tampa Bay</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">5. Sean Walker, RD - Philadelphia Flyers</h2>
<p dir="ltr">A two-way defender capable of killing penalities, transitioning the puck effectively, and comes at a friendly cap hit? There will surely be many teams interested. The only hiccup is <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/70/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia</a> is sitting in a playoff spot. Do they hold the soon-to-be UFA?</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Toronto, Edmonton, Dallas</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">6. Reilly Smith, LW/RW - Pittsburgh Penguins</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/33903/reilly-smith">Reilly Smith</a> is a veteran winger who has been around the block. He comes with a Stanley Cup ring and the Penguins could retain part of his 5 million dollar caphit to make him even more appealing.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">7. Adam Henrique, C - Anaheim Ducks</h2>
<p dir="ltr">One of the few consummate veteran centres avaialbly this year, <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/19043/adam-henrique">Adam Henrique</a> should be desired by those teams who missed out on <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/33387/elias-lindholm">Elias Lindholm</a> and need a suitable middle-six pivot. Henrique can play in all sorts of situations and that flexibility will be useful come playoff time.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Colorado, Vegas, Florida</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">8. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW - Ottawa Senators</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/24787/vladimir-tarasenko">Vladimir Tarasenko</a> isn&rsquo;t the player he once was, but he can still flash elite tools. Teams kicking the tires will hope they can strike lightning in a bottle with the former 40-goal man. With just a 5 million dollar cap hit and UFA status coming, the price tag shouldn&rsquo;t be too high.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Detroit, Dallas, Boston</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">9. Anthony Mantha, RW -&nbsp; Washington Capitals</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/78/washington-capitals">Capitals</a> have been trying to move <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/104045/anthony-mantha">Anthony Mantha</a> for sometime. But now they might be able to actually get something for him. The big-bodied winger should be looked at as a depth piece down the lineup who can slide up if necessary. He won&rsquo;t cost much to acquire either.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Detroit, Edmonton, Colorado</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">10. Anthony Duclair, LW - San Jose Sharks</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Everyone needs a little extra speed in their bottom-six, and <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/98665/anthony-duclair">Anthony Duclair</a> can bring that in spades. The <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/73/san-jose-sharks">Sharks</a> are going to sell anything not nailed ot the ground to continue their rebuild and bottom-out. Duclair should be a cost-effective piece to acquire.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><br><strong>Teams Interested:</strong> Edmonton, Los Angeles, Florida<br><br><br><br>Author:&nbsp;<br><br><img class="d-inline-block mr-3" src="https://cdn.eprinkside.com/2/images/camrobinson-1612580414-1024.png" alt="Cam Robinson" width="5%"> <br><a href="https://eprinkside.com/author/cam-robinson">Cam Robinson</a><br><span class="h-font-size--mini h-color--brand h-font-weight--bold d-block">Contributor - Dir. of Film Scouting EPrinkside</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<p>Make sure to be on the lookout here on EP and our confirmed <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/transfers/confirmed?league=nhl">NHL trades page</a></p>

Unveiling the Top 10 NHL Trade Targets: Who's moving where before the Deadline? Focus on facts, bypass the buzz for true insights

NHL Trade Deadline Rumors 2024

NHL Trade Deadline Rumors Board

<p dir="ltr"><img src="https://cdn.eprinkside.com/fm/eprinkside/files/2/images/2023-11/NHL%20Records%202%20(1).png" alt="" width="1280" height="840"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Photos &copy; Bildbyran</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">Within the annals of the <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/nhl">NHL</a>, certain records shine as beacons of unmatched achievement. Here, we delve into these historic records, providing a lens to appreciate the magnitude of these accomplishments, complete with "per game" stats for the record holders.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most Points of All Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9678/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a> dominates with 2,857 points, averaging an incredible 1.92 points per game​​. <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/8627/jaromir-jagr">Jarom&iacute;r J&aacute;gr</a>, with 1,921 points, stands as the second-highest scorer, with Mark Messier and others following as honorable mentions.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Most Points in an NHL Season</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The 1985-86 season saw Gretzky amassing 215 points, which breaks down to an astounding 2.77 points per game, a record that still stands tall above <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9679/mario-lemieux">Mario Lemieux</a>'s impressive 199 points in the 1988-89 season.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most NHL Goals of All Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Wayne Gretzky also holds the record for the most goals in NHL history with 894, averaging 0.60 goals per game across his career. His closest competitor in this category is <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/4230/alexander-ovechkin">Alexander Ovechkin</a>&nbsp; with above 820 goals.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Most Goals in an NHL Season</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Gretzky&rsquo;s 92 goals in the 1981-82 season equate to 1.15 goals per game, with <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21341/brett-hull">Brett Hull</a>&rsquo;s 86 goals in the 1990-91 season following as the second-best.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most NHL Assists of All Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Again, Gretzky leads with the most assists, having set up 1,963 goals for his teammates, which works out to an average of 1.32 assists per game. Behind him is <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21347/ron-francis">Ron Francis</a>, who tallied a remarkable number of assists as well.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Most Assists in an NHL Season</h3>
<p dir="ltr">For assists, Gretzky's record of 163 in the 1985-86 season translates to an average of 2.04 assists per game, surpassing his own second-best record and other high assists seasons by legends like Lemieux.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most NHL Wins in a Season</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/60/detroit-red-wings/1995-1996">1995-96 Detroit Red Wings</a> and the <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/75/tampa-bay-lightning/stats/2018-2019">2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning</a> each achieved 62 wins. The per game rate for these wins would be calculated based on the total games in their respective seasons.<br>It's worth noting that the 1995-96 Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup, solidifying their dominance as one of the greatest teams in NHL history.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">On the other hand, the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning faced an unexpected early exit in the first round of the playoffs against the <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/58/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets</a>. This unexpected outcome serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of NHL playoff hockey.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most Penalty Minutes of All Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/52429/tiger-williams">Tiger Williams</a> is known for the most penalty minutes accumulated over a career with 3,966, a record that speaks to a very different style of play from past eras of the NHL.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Most Penalty Minutes in an NHL Season</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/60150/dave-schultz">Dave Schultz</a>'s notorious record of 472 penalty minutes in the 1974-75 season comes out to approximately 5.78 penalty minutes per game, standing apart from other high penalty minute seasons by players like Tiger Williams.</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most Points by an NHL Defenseman of All Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Raymond Bourque is the all-time leader in points by a defenseman in the NHL, amassing 1,579 points (410 goals, 1169 assists) across 1,612 games, which equates to an average of 0.98 points per game throughout his career from 1979 to 2001.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Most Points by a Defenseman in an NHL Season</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Paul Coffey set the record for the most points in a single NHL season by a defenseman, scoring 138 points in the 1985-86 season, demonstrating his remarkable offensive capabilities from the back end.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most Goals by an NHL Defenseman of All Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Ray Bourque also holds the record for the most goals by a defenseman, with 410 goals over his career, proving his prowess in scoring as well as setting up plays.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Most Goals by a Defenseman in an NHL Season</h3>
<p dir="ltr">For the most goals scored in a season by a defenseman, Paul Coffey claims the spotlight, netting 48 goals in the 1985-86 season, a record that underscores his unique scoring talent.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Most Assists by an NHL Defenseman of All Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the assists category, <a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/19141/raymond-bourque">Ray Bourque</a> leads again with 1,169 assists, showcasing his exceptional vision and playmaking ability from the defensive zone over his lengthy NHL tenure.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Most Assists by a Defenseman in an NHL Season</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/21321/paul-coffey">Paul Coffey</a> also boasts the highest assist total for a defenseman in a single NHL season, with 90 assists during the 1985-86 season, further cementing his legacy as one of the best offensive defensemen in the history of the league.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Outro</h2>
<p dir="ltr">As we conclude our journey through the storied records of the NHL, these benchmarks stand as a tribute to the exceptional talent and enduring legacies that have defined the league. From Gretzky's scoring records to Williams's penalty minutes, each record is a chapter of history that continues to inspire awe and respect. For enthusiasts seeking to delve further into the rich tapestry of hockey's past, resources like Elite Prospects provide a treasure trove of insights into the remarkable careers that have shaped the game we love today.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

List of NHL Records: The All-Time Greats & Season Standouts

NHL Records: The All-Time Greats and Season Standouts

Compare Wayne Gretzky & Mario Lemieux, two hockey legends. Stats, scoring prowess, & championships - who's the greatest? Lemieux vs. Gretzky debate

Transfers/Rumours

Confirmed Transfers

Rumours

Doubtful Rumours

Contract Extensions

Recalled / Reassigned

Loans

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